The next day dawned.
Several massive warships were docked at Marineford's shattered coastline, and elite Marines began boarding in squads.
Two vice admirals escorted a man into view. At their head stood Sengoku and Garp in their coats, along with many other Marine officers.
Clearly, Garp and Sengoku were personally escorting the Golden Lion this time.
Wearing Seastone handcuffs and a prison uniform, the Golden Lion didn't make a fuss. Instead, he laughed heartily, retaining his kingly air even in captivity.
By comparison, many Marine officers looked grim.
Just from the size of the escort, the Golden Lion could tell what the Marines were planning.
Truthfully, the Golden Lion was also curious. Would his Flying Pirates meet the same fate as the Rocks Pirates?
One by one, the warships slowly left the harbor, gradually disappearing over the horizon.
Their destination was the world's greatest prison, Impel Down.
If nothing unexpected happened, the Golden Lion might spend the rest of his life there, growing old in solitude.
A few hours later.
"Enemy attack!"
"It's the Flying Pirates!"
"Prepare for battle! The Flying Pirates are attacking!"
"It's the Flying Pirates' Ninth Fleet Captain, Jelly Queen Annie.
The Tenth Fleet Captain, Witch Roria.
The Fifteenth Fleet Captain, Lone Wolf Spand."
"Capture them!"
"What a pity. Only three fleet captains showed up."
The sounds of gunfire and battle cries rang across the churning sea, and the fight was over in less than half an hour.
The Golden Lion had been locked in the warship's prison the whole time. The faint smile on his face slowly faded.
That ended a little too quickly.
Until—
"Captain."
The Ninth Fleet Captain, Jelly Queen Annie; the Tenth Fleet Captain, Witch Roria; and the Fifteenth Fleet Captain, Lone Wolf Spand, were all badly wounded and wearing Seastone handcuffs. They